JUST two seasons ago Rothley Park were in Division Four and Barwell were in the Premier, but on Saturday Rothley beat the home side in their first Division Two fixture.

Drawing upon the momentum and confidence that two consecutive promotions brings, Rothley were more than convincing.

Bowling first Rothley took control, taking vital early wickets through the pace of Josh Hodge and swing of Rich Williams (both finishing with two wickets apiece).

However, they were punished for not tightening the screw with Barwell six down, offering a number of ‘happy birthday’ deliveries in the final overs to allow the home team to stumble to a potentially competitive 205.

Rothley’s response was initially a solid one with young batsmen Bulmer (22) and Beall (28) making great starts.

However, starts were the only thing on offer as wickets fell with batsmen seemingly set and a very achievable target became increasingly difficult.

It would eventually take a well paced and composed innings from opener Nick Mason to see the visitors home.

His faultless 104 not out came up in the penultimate over and it was most fitting that it was he who finished the game with a cover drive for four.